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TRUCKING EXPERT CORNER

Meet our expert

Here at Acuity, we specialize in all trucking, from owner -operators to large fleets. We understand the challenges facing the trucking industry, motor carriers, and drivers. Helping you meet these challenges successfully is a key focus of ours. If it wasn’t, I wouldn’t be here. I am Cliff J., Acuity’s in-house trucking consultant.

I bring over 30 years of trucking industry experience to Acuity. I worked my way up from driving to managing the safety operations of a transportation company, culminating in owning and managing my own regional trucking company. My main goal at Acuity is to help you, the motor carrier, the owner/operator and the driver better understand the insurance industry and help shape Acuity’s products and services to better meet your needs. I regularly provide ongoing trucking training to Acuity employees to help them understand the unique needs of those in the trucking/transportation industry. With over 30 years in the transportation sector, as both a company driver and as owner and manager of a trucking company, I have first-hand experience that helps me understand the challenges truckers’ face, and detailed knowledge of transportation regulations. My experience coupled with a background in insurance loss control can help answer and provide solutions to any issues that may arise.

FAQs

Have questions? We have answers.

What gets you excited about working for Acuity as their Trucking Specialist?

Having been in the trucking business many years, it was important for me to find a company I was comfortable working with that demonstrated ongoing honesty and integrity in their business practices. I believe I found that with Acuity. In addition, I believe we can revolutionize the relationship between the trucker and insurance company so both understand each other and can partner to obtain the best results possible.

How does your experience in the trucking industry help Acuity?

The working knowledge I’ve gained in my 30 years of trucking industry experience allows me to understand our trucking customers’ real-world issues and provide information and training to Acuity employees to better evaluate trucking operations, help reduce their risks, and handle claims. I also assist in developing better products and services for our trucking customers.

What advice would you give a trucker who is stepping into their own business for the first time?

Do your due diligence in putting together a good business plan is the best advice I can give. Understand who your customers will be and whether you can find a niche market that sets you apart from others. Consider your accounts receivable and operating cash flow. Will you have enough to buy diesel and pay for repairs, wages, and fees before your cash flow stabilizes? Ask yourself why a professional driver should work for you. What do you offer to meet a driver’s needs and promote a mutually beneficial and long-term relationship? How will your company successfully manage the regulations specific to the trucking industry and employees?  How will you instill safe operations within your company’s culture, so unnecessary and preventable losses do not occur and eat away at profits? Partner with reputable businesses for your fuel, tire, parts, and equipment dealers and  a strong insurance company that understands your industry. A comprehensive business plan will impact how you begin and finance your business and at what speed you may wish to grow.

What would you like to accomplish during your time with Acuity?

I like to make a difference in people lives, so working to make Acuity the best insurance company for truckers is very rewarding for me. This reputation has to be earned every day through meeting people’s needs and helping them prepare for any eventuality.

RESOURCES

We know trucking. Our knowledge at your fingertips.

Loss control

Acuity offers an extensive library of loss control resources to help keep your employees and company operating safely

Videos

Watch our helpful, to-the-point trucking videos featuring Cliff, our industry specialist!

Glossary

Does insurance lingo sometimes leave you guessing? Check out our glossary!

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